Lowena is a dedicated community health worker from the Philippines. She assists with maternal care and child health services in her community. She works three times a week in the field and will soon help with a measles vaccination program for children. Her son, Randy, drives a school bus, and together they provide for the family. Lowena enjoys singing in her free time and considers her fieldwork her exercise, as it keeps her active through frequent walking. Forty-four years ago, Lowena began to experience troubling symptoms, including pain, significant discomfort, and occasional bleeding. She was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. For a long time, Lowena postponed her own treatment to care for her sick grandchild, but after seeing the child recover and learning about hospital support, she decided it was time to prioritize her health. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lowena receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy on May 5th at WSFP's care center. During this procedure, surgeons will remove her hemorrhoids. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is requesting the remaining $1,257 to cover the cost of Lowena's procedure and care. "Having this surgery is a huge blessing, especially for people like me who cannot afford treatment. I hope Watsi continues helping more people, because helping others brings happiness," Shared Lowena.

Sakhorn is 69 years old and a retired rice farmer from Prey Veng Province, Cambodia. He has one daughter, three sons, and seven grandchildren. Sakhorn lives near his daughter, who is also a rice farmer. He likes to listen to the radio and go to the pagoda. About two years ago, Sakhorn experienced a traumatic incident that led to a condition in his left eye called retinal detachment, where the thin tissues at the back of the eye pull away from their usual position. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Sakhorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three hours to seek treatment. On April 7th, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Our medical partner is requesting $706 to fund his procedure. Sakhorn said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, so I can go out and do housework."

Deborah is a two-year-old baby girl from Haiti. Deborah is very cheerful and outgoing. She likes to play with her neighbors and sing. She lives in a city in northern Haiti with her parents and older brother. Deborah has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. Deborah will fly to United States to receive treatment. On July 23rd, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, HeartGift Foundation, is contributing $18,000 to pay for surgery. Deborah's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Deborah's family overseas. Deborah's mother says: "It's a miracle that our family has this chance for our daughter to have surgery. We are very thankful to everyone!"

Bunrong is a 13-year-old boy from Cambodia. He is in Grade 6 and is the only child in his family. His father works as a rice farmer, and his mother runs a small grocery business to support the household. He enjoys studying English, playing football with his friends, and dreams of becoming a police officer in the future. About one year ago, Bunrong developed a mass over his right wrist after sustaining an injury while playing volleyball. At that time, he received treatment with an X-ray examination and wrist immobilization in a cast for 21 days. Although the initial treatment was completed, he continued to experience pain in his wrist. Over time, the mass gradually increased in size, causing ongoing discomfort and making it difficult for him to write his lessons and complete schoolwork comfortably. After being referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled three hours with his family to seek specialized care. Doctors diagnosed him with a right wrist tumor and scheduled an en bloc resection procedure to remove the tumor on May 20th. This surgery is expected to relieve pain, restore wrist function, and allow him to return to school and daily activities without discomfort. Now, Bunrong needs help to raise $841 to fund this procedure. Bunrong's grandmother said, “I have been worried watching him live with pain and discomfort in his wrist. I pray this surgery will remove the problem, relieve his pain, and help him use his hand normally again so he can study, play volleyball, and enjoy life without difficulty.”